The honeymoon period for Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid has come to an abrupt and inglorious end following a disastrous performance in his first El Clasico, raising serious questions about the French superstar’s ability to adapt to Spanish football. Madrid’s shocking 4-0 defeat to Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu has exposed deeper concerns about how the former PSG striker’s arrival has disrupted the team’s previously successful dynamics.
The match that was meant to showcase Mbappe’s arrival as Real Madrid’s new galactico instead turned into a personal nightmare, as he matched an unwanted La Liga record by straying offside eight times – equaling a mark set by Elche’s Jonathas in 2009. Barcelona’s tactical approach of defending with a high line proved to be a masterclass in neutralizing the French captain, who appeared increasingly frustrated and isolated as the game progressed.
The statistics paint a damning picture of Mbappe’s performance. With just 27 touches across 90 minutes and only 15 attempted passes, none of which were progressive, the striker cut an isolated figure on the pitch. His expected goals (xG) tally of 0.58 and nine instances of lost possession further highlighted his struggles to make any meaningful impact in what was supposed to be his crowning moment in white.
Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid’s experienced manager who had earlier expressed confidence in Mbappe’s big-game temperament, was left to rue his star signing’s ineffectiveness. We knew that they played with a high line, and we just couldn’t take advantage of it,” Ancelotti admitted post-match. Sometimes he fell offside, but he had three or four chances to score and needed a better finishing touch.”
The impact of Mbappe’s arrival extends beyond his personal struggles, as his presence has fundamentally altered Real Madrid’s tactical setup – and not for the better. Perhaps most concerning is the detrimental effect on Jude Bellingham, last season’s revelation who has been forced into increasingly deeper positions to accommodate the Frenchman. The England international, who scored 23 goals across all competitions last season, has yet to open his account in the current campaign.
Spanish media outlet Marca didn’t mince words about the situation, with journalist Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa stating, “Bellingham is a shadow of the player who burst onto the scene last season. And the fault lies not with him, but with the way he is being managed.” The criticism extends to Ancelotti’s tactical decisions, with Bellingham sometimes being deployed as far back as right-back – a move described as “a joke in bad taste that Ancelotti must correct immediately.
The chemistry between Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., another key concern, has failed to materialize as hoped. The duo has struggled to develop an effective partnership, with statistics showing minimal creative interaction – Vinicius has created just eight chances for Mbappe, while receiving only three in return. Their similar playing styles and tendency to occupy the same spaces has created a tactical headache that Ancelotti has yet to solve.
Physical concerns have also plagued Mbappe’s start to life in Madrid. Still recovering from a broken nose suffered during Euro 2024, he has appeared less explosive and decisive than the player who terrorized defenses in France. His decision to skip international duty in October to focus on his fitness raised eyebrows and ultimately seems to have done little to improve his form.
French football legend Bixente Lizarazu’s assessment for L’Equipe captures the current reality: “Mbappe is no longer as explosive or decisive as he was. He remains a very good scorer, a very good player of course, but he is no longer scary as before.” This transformation from feared striker to struggling forward has been particularly evident in domestic competition, where he has managed eight goals in 14 appearances – respectable numbers that nonetheless fail to tell the full story of his difficulties.
The contrast with his predecessor, Karim Benzema, is stark. Where Benzema’s presence elevated those around him, Mbappe’s arrival has forced the team to adapt to his style, often to their detriment. The fluid, well-oiled machine that secured a La Liga and Champions League double last season now appears disjointed and uncertain.
However, Ancelotti remains defiant, drawing parallels with past challenges: “The last time we lost 4-0 versus Barcelona at home, we won La Liga and the Champions League. We won’t stop fighting.” While the loss ended Madrid’s impressive 42-game unbeaten record at the Bernabeu, the season is far from over.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both Mbappe and Real Madrid. The club’s wealth of talent means they remain contenders for major honors, but achieving last season’s success will require a swift resolution to their tactical issues. For Mbappe, the challenge is clear: he must adapt his game to complement rather than complicate Madrid’s existing strengths, or risk seeing his dream move turn into an extended nightmare.
As pressure mounts and critics circle, the world watches to see if the man who once seemed destined to rule the Bernabeu can rediscover the form that made him football’s most coveted signing. The answer to this question may well determine not just Mbappe’s legacy, but Real Madrid’s fortunes in the season ahead.
